Resilient Shoe With Pivoting Sole

ABSTRACT

An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer&#39;s weight. When brought under forces of a wearer&#39;s weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/642,642, entitled Resilient Sports Shoe, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/804,803 entitled“improved Ventilated And Resilient Shoe Apparatus And System” filed May21, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/889,725 entitled “Shoe with Resilient Heel” filed Feb. 13, 2007.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Preferred Embodiment

This invention pertains generally to wearable articles for the feet, andmore particularly to shoes having a resilient sole having ashock-absorbing platform and heel cavity, possibly with air movementthrough the sole.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional shoes are often uncomfortable due to a lack of resiliencyin the sole, particularly in the heel area. Inflexible heels do notpromote walking or standing for long periods of time because they lacksubstantial cushioning and resiliency to accommodate pressure exerted ona wearer's feet. This lack of cushioning causes undue pressure andforce-of-impact to be felt up into the knees, spine, and various otherjoints. Compressible heels having recessed chambers and springs in somecases are not new. None of the prior art successfully cushions awearer's feet to the extent of the instant invention. Conventional shoesalso fail to provide a flow of fresh air through the inside of the solearound an individual's feet.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 1,471,042 to Lewis (1923) discloses a shoethat uses coil springs internal to the defined heel. Lewis' shoe,however, uses metal plates (circular metal disks) above and below thecoil spring(s) to help distribute pressure and also has no real cavityor resiliency in the sole. U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,482 to Resko (1941)discloses using lugs to better seat the coil spring in the defined heel,but still uses a metal reinforcing plate between the upper and lowersoles to distribute pressure, also lacking resiliency in the heel. U.S.Pat. No. 3,886,674 to Pavia (1975) discloses a shoe having a pluralityof springs in a non-defined, open heel. Because the springs are notenclosed, there is no sidewall surrounding the heel area. Further, thereis a metal plate above the springs in the heelstrike area, so thewearer's foot still strikes against a hard surface.

Another family of prior art patents has addressed heel/cavity design.For instance, U.S. patents to Bunns U.S. Pat. No. 1,502,087, Denk U.S.Pat. No. 2,299,009, Carroll U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,401, and Dixon U.S. Pat.No. 5,544,431, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/022,477 to Wudisclose cavities in well defined heels. Lombardino U.S. Pat. No.5,743,028 discloses a blended heel, but lacks a platform connected to asubstantially inelastic sidewall by virtue of a discrete deformablearea. Consequently, movement is limited to a hinge-like articulatingmovement in the heelstrike area.

Still other patents, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,338 to LeVert etal., disclose a spring cushioned shoe with an inner vacuity connected bya passageway to an opening on the exterior of the shoe. The passagewayopening described in the '338 patent, however, is both an inlet and anoutlet and thus undesirably allows fluids and other unwanted debris intothe shoe to the discomfort of the wearer and associated problems fromwater and mold developing within the shoe. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.1,069,001 to Guy discloses a cushioned sole and heel that allows air orother fluids in through a check valve to serve as the cushioning medium.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,010 to Fukuoka discloses a shoe having a resilientheel having a circular convexity (2 b) and a ring-shape groove (2 c)surrounding the convexity. While in this structure the convexity iscapable of moving independently of other parts of the sole, Fukuokarequires a ring-shape groove (2 c) of varying thickness, which tends tocreate an area of weakness, prone to breakage and malfunction. Thus, aneeds exists for an improved ventilated and resilient shoe thatovercomes the numerous limitations and problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems in conventionshoes by providing an improved resilient and ventilated shoe apparatusand system.

The invention includes a novel shoe in one embodiment that is ventilatedwith external air. The apparatus and system circulate air around thewearer's foot without impacting the stability or comfort of anindividual's walk. Circulating air throughout the shoe while anindividual is walking provides an additional benefit that conventionalshoes do not provide: reducing athlete's foot and foot odor.Conventional shoes do not allow the free flow of air throughout theinside of the shoe. Moisture and bacteria build up inside mostconventional shoes, causing athlete's foot and making such shoes smell.The present invention provides that with every step, the individual iscirculating fresh air throughout the shoe and around his foot. Theresult is a shoe interior that will not be a breeding ground forodor-causing bacteria. The wearer's feet will feel refreshed and betterrested at the end of the day. Individuals may also find themselveswalking longer distances in the improved shoes because their feet willfeel more comfortable.

In an embodiment, air enters the shoe from outside around the wearer'sfoot and flows through openings in a sole and then through aerationchambers. The air thereafter circulates to an air suction valve in theheel and then is directed out to the exterior of the shoe through aone-air air exhaust valve and thereby ventilates the wearer's foot withfree flowing air. In other embodiments, the invention includes an airpump in the heel that operates with the one way air suction valve forair intake and operates to expel air through the one-way air exhaustvalve. In further embodiments, the invention includes an upper sole witha plurality of air suction holes or openings and a lower sole made fromporous, air permeable material such as open cell foam or the like. Inone or more embodiments, the shoe includes bacteria fighting chemicalsor other substances known to persons skilled in the art to reduce shoeodor.

One embodiment of the invention includes a blended heel made from aresilient material and has a cavity extending under the entire instepportion of the shoe's upper. Compression springs are placed in thecavity, including a mainspring located at approximately the heelstrikepoint and two auxiliary springs for stability located forward of themainspring toward the shoe's toe. The extended cavity provides evenresiliency throughout the upper sole without having to resort to metalplates. The springs assist the resilient walls of the cavity, whichextends under the instep portion of the shoe, in supporting the wearer'sfoot, and the spring's compression load is distributed throughout thesole by a resilient layer of softer rubber adjacent the sole.

The blended heel of the invention extends under the sole in a wedge-typeconfiguration. This extension provides arch support and resiliency atthe shoe's instep, or midsole. In one or more embodiments, the heelincludes a height enhancer to provide lift without the appearance of“elevator shoes.” This pad located under the heel portion also serves todistribute the load of the springs and provides that the entire shoe islifted, not just the wearer's foot.

In one embodiment, the springs include a mainspring and two smallerauxiliary springs in front of and evenly spaced to the inside andoutside of the mainspring. The mainspring offers lift to the wearerreducing, if not eliminating, pressure on the wearer's spine, knees, andother joints. The auxiliary springs offer stability and additionalabsorption of the pressure forces generated from walking and otheractivity. In one or more embodiments, the springs are made fromindustrial grade aluminum spring material or many other suitablematerials are within the scope of the invention. For example, instead ofmetallic springs, other spring members such as air balls or rubber ballscould be used. The springs are aided by the resilient material itselfthat makes up the heel and the cavity walls.

One embodiment of the invention includes a magnetic sleeve that servesto further enhance the well-being of the wearer. Such an insert usesmagnetic therapy technology to offer the wearer the additional benefitof enhancing blood circulation in the heel, foot, and ankle areas.

In another embodiment, a shoe includes a resilient sole and heel cavity.The sole includes an outsole with a substantially inelastic sidewall, asubstantially inelastic platform having a perimeter wall, or height, andan elastic connector between the sidewall and perimeter wall. Theconnector limits movement of the platform relative to the sidewallbetween a substantially unloaded position where the connector maintainsthe platform substantially below the sidewall, and a substantiallyloaded position, where the connector is deformed so that the platform isdeflected to some degree into the heel cavity and substantiallysurrounded by the sidewall.

It is anticipated the shoe may have a spring spanning the heel cavity,the spring located atop the platform. It may require between 50 and 700pounds of pressure to fully compress the spring and connector.

In an unloaded position, the platform may be maintained between two andtwenty five millimeters below the sidewall. Also, in the unloadedposition, the connector may be between one and ten millimeters in lengthbetween the sidewall and platform, and have a thickness of between oneand ten millimeters.

The platform, sidewall, and connector may be constructed from a single,unitary piece of material, preferably rubber, although it is alsoanticipated the sidewall may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane whichin various embodiments may be clear in order to see the interior of theheel cavity. In various embodiments, the outsole may be made ofmaterials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, thermoplasticpolyurethane and rubber, or a combination of those materials.

The substantially inelastic sidewall, inelastic platform, spring andelastic connector are arranged such that the spring is biased tomaintain the platform substantially lower than the sidewall. Under awearer's weight, the spring compresses, causing bending and stretchingof the connector, and allowing the platform to deflect substantiallyupward into the outsole.

In order to provide cushioned impact while walking or running, a shoe isprovided having a resilient sole and heel cavity. Also provided is anoutsole having a sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform, and anelastic connector between the sidewall and platform. The length orthickness of the connector is varied, depending on a user's weight orthe desired performance characteristics of the shoes. After putting onthe shoes, a user applies a substantial portion of the user's weightonto the sole, substantially bending and stretching the connector, andsubstantially deflecting the platform into the heel cavity.

As a substantial portion of the user's weight is removed from the sole,bending and un-stretching of the connector causes the platform todeflect out of the heel cavity. A spring in the heel cavity may beincluded and biased so as to maintain the platform outside the heelcavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of the shoe withresilient sole having heel cavity and compression springs.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the heel area showing one possible configurationof compression springs.

FIG. 3 is a bottom detail view of a resilient plate with lower sole andsprings Removed and showing an optional one-way exit air valve.

FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of the shoe withresilient heel cavity and springs and showing ventilation of the insidesole.

FIG. 5 is a top cutaway view of the heel portion in one or moreembodiments of the invention, again showing ventilation of the insidesole.

FIG. 6 is a top cutaway view of the upper sole in one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of a variation of a ventilationapparatus and system in one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded partial view of the upper sole, second sole andthe bottom with the aeration channels in one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the resilientshoe, a shoe for sporting activities.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the secondembodiment shoe.

FIG. 11A is a section view through the heel portion of the secondembodiment shoe in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 11B is a section view through the heel portion of the secondembodiment shoe in a compressed state.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavityand spring disposed therein in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavityand spring disposed therein in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavityand spring disposed therein in a compressed state.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the resilient shoe sole having a heel cavityand spring disposed therein in a compressed state.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the deformable area of the outsoleportion of the resilient shoe sole.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a sports shoe incorporating the resilient shoesole.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sports shoe incorporating theresilient shoe sole.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoesole in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoesole in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoesole in a compressed state.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a dress shoe incorporating the resilient shoesole in a compressed state.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the shoe 10 with upper 14 and lower 16joined along the upper sole 18 extending through the heel portion 20,instep portion 22, and toe portion 24. The blended heel 26 defines acavity 28 that extends from the rearmost point of the heel portion 20forward under the instep portion 22. The blended heel 26 is made from aresilient material, typically rubber so the cavity walls offer someresiliency, but other resilient materials known to persons skilled inthe art are within the scope of the present invention.

Two separate materials may be used, as is shown here, with the layeradjacent the upper sole of a softer material than the remainder of theheel. The mainspring 30 is positioned orthogonal to the longitudinalaxis 12, as shown in FIG. 2, and under the heelstrike point of theinterior of the shoe. The mainspring 30 may be secured by lugs 36(upper) and 38 (lower; not shown) set into recesses 40 and 42, andprovides the majority of resilient force to the wearer's steps.Auxiliary springs 32 and 34 shown in FIG. 2 add stability and enhancedresiliency.

In one or more embodiments, a magnetic sleeve 46 is included as shown inFIG. 1 to further enhance the well-being of the wearer with magnetictherapy. Also, the pad 48 at the bottom of the blended heel 26 servesnot only as a height-enhancer, but also helps to distribute the springload throughout the heel portion 20 so that the entire shoe is lifted,not just the wearer's foot.

FIG. 2 shows one configuration of the springs. The mainspring 30 islocated generally on the longitudinal axis 12 in the center of the shoewidth, and the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 are located forward of themainspring, toward the toe portion 24 and to either side of thelongitudinal axis. The lateral spacing of the auxiliary springs 32 and34 provides overall stability to the shoe and enhances the lift felt bythe wearer.

One placement of the auxiliary springs 32 and 34 is to have them spacedevenly in front of the mainspring, equidistant from both the mainspringand the longitudinal axis, so that the wearer's ankle is not turnedeither inward or outward. Also in this configuration, the lift from thesprings is directed upward to enhance the lift from the mainspring. Onthe other hand, strategic placement of the springs offset from eachother may aid in the correction of pronation or other ankle alignmentproblems in other embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows the recesses 40, 52, 54 for the springs in one embodimentand also shows how there may be other recesses 56 (rectangular,circular, or of any other shape) built into the rubber material to aidin overall stability. The design of these various smaller recesses 56may aid in air circulation within the heel cavity and may work inconcert with an air pressure valve to help express air from the cavityon depression thereof. In one or more embodiments, the shoe 10 includesa one-way air exhaust valve 100 as shown in FIG. 3 whereby air isexpelled out the valve 100 when the heel 20 is compressed and the volumeof the cavity 28 is reduced. The valve 100 is a one-way valve so thatwater or other unwanted debris is prevented from entering the cavity 28.The valve 100 is also such that air freely flows out rather than seekinga path in a forward direction through the sole as described in otherembodiments herein.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment where a load 80 is placed onto the shoe heelportion 20 so as to compress the mainspring 30 and the auxiliary springs32 and 34 within the cavity 28. The cavity 28 is not sealed (and theone-way air exhaust or exit valve 100 not present), and thus when thevolume of the cavity 28 is reduced air is discharged in a forwarddirection towards the instep portion 22 and toe portion 24 and throughthe upper sole 18 as shown in FIG. 4, which provides overall stabilityto the shoe and enhances the lift and fresh air feeling felt by thewearer.

FIG. 5 shows the air flow depicted in FIG. 4 with arrows in oneembodiment within the shoe 10 through a channel structure 82 and channelstructure 84 to aeration channels 86 in the instep portion 22 and toeportion 24 of the shoe 10. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment with theupper sole 18 includes a plurality of openings 18 a to furtherfacilitate the flow of air within the shoe 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a ventilated shoe of thepresent invention. In this embodiment an air pump 90 is provided in thecavity 28 in the heel portion 20, rather than the cavity 28 itself inconjunction with the one way valve 100 acting in a similar manner asdescribed above. The air pump 90 is made of a conventional constructionwell known to persons skilled in the art and is not described in detailhere. The air pump 90 is connected to the one-way air suction valve 92as shown in FIG. 7 and is also connected to the one-way air exhaustvalve 100 also as shown in FIG. 7. The one-way air suction valve 92 isadjacent to the air channel 82 and the air channel 84, although anintermediate connecting channel 94 can be provided to connect the airchannels 82 and 84 to the one-way air suction valve 92.

When the shoe 10 is used for walking, air enters the shoe adjacent tothe where the user's ankle and leg are near to the shoe 10 or at or nearthe upper 14. The air flows through the upper sole 18 including throughthe openings 18 a in the upper sole 18 to the aeration channels 86 onthe lower 16 of the shoe 10. Air then flows to the air channels 82 and84 to the one-way suction valve 92. The air then enters the air pump 90and is expelled out the one way air exhaust valve 100 to the exterior ofthe shoe 10 as depicted schematically in FIG. 7 by arrow 104. In one ormore embodiments, a waterproof ventilation valve 102 is provided on theexterior of the shoe 10 as shown in FIG. 7 to further inhibit water orother debris from entering the shoe 10 or cavity 28.

The air pump 90 operates so that when it is compressed, such as by awearer's foot while walking, the air pump 10 is compressed which forcesthe air in the air pump 90 out through the valve 100. When the air pump90 expands, such as when the wearer lifts his foot and heel during awalking stride, air flows into the air pump 90 through the one-way airsuction valve 92. Therefore, while walking at even a normal pace, theshoes and thus the feet of the individual wearing the inventive shoesare ventilated with fresh air. Alternatively, the air pump 90 couldinclude a small thermoelectric device 91 to remove heat (or cold) andhumidity from the inside of the shoe.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment which includes a lower sole 150, madefrom open cell foam or equivalent materials well known to personsskilled in the art, positioned between the upper sole 18 and theaeration channels 86 to further facilitate the flow of air within theshoe 10 with the upper sole 18 having a plurality of openings 18 a asshown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the lower sole 150 could be made ofgenerally air impervious material having one or more large holes for airto pass from the lower 16 up through the upper sole 18.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment sport shoe 200 with an upperportion 202 and sole 204, wherein the sole 204 comprises an outsole 206,and a midsole 208. Referring to FIG. 10, the outsole 206 is attached tothe midsole 208, together forming a heel 209. The midsole 208 includes afirst part 210 and a second part 212. The first part 210 of the midsole208 is designed to reside substantially under the heel of a wearer,while the second part 212 supports the remainder of the wearer's foot.

Referring to FIG. 11A, a cross section of the sports shoe 200, outsole206, midsole 208 and related structures are shown in an uncompressedstate. Here, the first part 210 of the midsole 208 is disposed above andengaged by a series of springs 214. The bottoms of the springs 214engage the outsole 206. The second part 212 of the midsole 208 engagesthe outsole 206. In this manner, downward pressure by a wearer's heel isdistributed across the springs 214. FIG. 11A also illustrates the cavity216 housing the springs 214, enclosed by the first part 210 and secondpart 212 of the midsole 208, and the outsole 206.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the outsole 206, midsole 208 and related heel 209structures are shown in a compressed state. In this state the springs214 are compressed, reducing the volume of the cavity 216. The cavity216 is preferably obscured from view by the outsole 206 forming asidewall 220 around the heel 209 portion of the shoe 200. Preferably thesprings 214 are compression springs wherein the working distance betweenthe minimum operational state and maximum operational state is about 6mm. Optionally, an insole 213 may be installed inside the shoe over themidsole 208.

As the springs 214 compress and cavity 216 volume decreases, the outsole206 sidewall 220 folds together. The outsole 206 has a bottom pad 222connected to the springs 214. The bottom pad 222 makes surface contactwhile the shoe is under a wearer's weight.

In order to ensure vertical movement of the springs 214 and minimizelateral displacement of the outsole 206 relative to the midsole 208, theoutsole 206 comprises a connecting portion 224 between the sidewall 220and horizontal pad 222. As the sidewall 220 deflects downward relativeto the bottom pad 222, the connecting portion 224 folds inward uponitself, sandwiching the bottom pad 222 within the sidewall 220preventing lateral displacement of the heel 209. The material comprisingthe connecting portion 224 is resiliently deformable and is disposed inthe outsole 206 between the sidewall 220 and bottom pad 222.

Referring back to FIGS. 9 and 10, an air passageway 217 releases the airfrom the heel 209. In a preferred embodiment the air passageway 217comprises a one-way valve 102 (as illustrated in FIG. 7) which expelsair, and prevents air, liquid or other debris from entering back intothe heel 209. A thermo-electric cooling (and/or heating) device 219 maybe installed in the sole to remove heat and humidity and preserve thewearer's comfort.

The outsole 206 is preferably abrasion resistant rubber material. Thebottom pad 222 of the heel 209 may be of a softer rubber, such that thebottom pad 222 itself compresses to some extent under the wearer'sweight. The first part 210 of the midsole 208 comprises a rigidmaterial, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, and may includeadditives such as silica based or other nanoparticles to increasedimensional stability. The second part 212 of the midsole 208 is of avery lightweight material, preferably ethylene-vinyl-acetate.

FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of a resilient shoesole 500. In this embodiment the resilient sole 500 comprises a midsole502, an upper foundation 504, and an outsole 506. A heel cavity 508 isdisposed in the sole 500, and a cap 510 may cover the heel cavity 508.While the example illustrations show a single heel cavity 508 in thesole 500, it is contemplated that the sole 500 may have additionalcavities [not shown] in other locations, and also that the heel cavity508 may be divided into more than the single heel cavity 508 shown. Itis also contemplated that the midsole 502 may be made of softermaterials than the outsole 506, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, whilethe cap 510 may be made of harder materials, for example thermoplasticpolyurethane.

In the exemplary embodiment, the heel cavity 508 may house one or moresprings 512. As shown in the figures, a larger spring 512 is seatedbehind two smaller springs 512 to add support and stability to the sole500. It is also contemplated that either a single spring 512 oradditional springs [not shown] may be incorporated into the sole 500,including in other areas of the sole 500. Alternatively, springs 512 maybe omitted altogether. In one embodiment, the spring(s) 512 may have anideal elasticity of between 50 to 700 lb/ft².

Trampoline-like rebound in the sole 500 is achieved by the structure ofthe outsole 506. In addition to other structures, e.g., springs, theoutsole 506 comprises a platform 514 and a sidewall 516. The sidewall516 may be substantially rigid and extend around the heel cavity 508. Inthis manner, it may be designed to form the periphery of the sole's 500heel area. The platform 514, while ideally made of resilient material,may be substantially rigid due to its thickness. The pressure requiredto move the platform 514 relative to the sidewall 516 determines theamount of resiliency and rebound in the sole 500. The strength of thatresiliency is governed by a connector 520 connecting the platform 514and sidewalls 516, and by the distance the platform 514 must travel sothat both the platform 514 and side wall 516 encounter a common walkingsurface.

Referring to FIG. 16, the connector 520 has a predetermined length 522as measured from the perimeter wall 526 of the platform 514, and theinner, substantially vertical surface 528 of the sidewall 516, and apredetermined thickness 524, as measured from a top surface 530 of theconnector 520 to a bottom surface 532 of the connector 520. While thelength 522 and thickness 524 determine the force necessary to deform theconnector 520, the size of the platform 514 perimeter wall 526 extendsbelow the sidewall 516 determines the amount of rebound achieved by thesole 500.

The thickness 524 determines the shock absorbing properties of the sole500 and the ability of the sole 500 to deflect upward when compressed ona down step. An increased thickness 524 requires more weight for fulldeflection. The optimum operational size for the thickness 524 isbetween 1 mm and 10 mm. The length 522 determines the amount of reboundin the sole 500 after deflection. It operates like a rubber band orsling shot, developing more propulsion the longer the deformable area520 stretches. The optimum operational size for the length 522 portionof the deformable area 520 is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

The platform 514 perimeter wall 526 is used to govern the maximum amountof deflection in the sole 500. Deflection ends once the sidewall 516 ofthe sole 500 reaches the surface on which the platform 514 rests. Theoptimum operational height for the perimeter wall 526 is between 2 mmand 25 mm.

Referring back to FIGS. 12 and 13, in a resting position, the connector520 of the outsole 506 maintains the platform 514 in a fully extendedposition. The connector 520 may simply be a portion of the materialcomprising the outsole 506. In alternative embodiments, the connector520 may be made of material having an elasticity differing from theplatform 516, sidewall 518, or both. Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 15,in a deformed position, the connector 520 of the outsole 506 isstretched such that the platform 514 is deflected upward into the cavity508 until the sidewalls 516 of the outsole 506 reach the surface onwhich the platform 514 rests. It is contemplated that in certainembodiments the platform 514 may deflect only partially upward into thecavity 508 as shown in FIG. 14. Additionally, while the figures show asubstantially planar connector 520 when the platform 520 is in adeflected state, it is contemplated that due to the elastic nature ofthe connector 520 it may deform into a curved or “S” shape when theplatform 514 deflects into the cavity 508.

The ratio of the thickness 524, length 522, and the perimeter wall 526height (and the resiliency of the spring and rubber material) havedifferent measurements in various shoe designs: For example, it isanticipated dress shoes will be designed with maximum flexibility due totheir low-impact use. Casual shoes are expected to have a middle rangeof flexibility for repeated impact during walking. Finally, sports orrunning shoes will have the lowest flexibility due to the great force ofimpact from sports activities. In some embodiments, the connector 520may also be of varied size and shape due to shoe size and whetherintended for male or female use. For instance, a size seven women's shoemight be calibrated for around 120 lbs of compression, while a men'ssize eleven shoe might be calibrated for 200 or 250 lbs on average.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the sole 500 is shown in an uncompressedstate incorporated into a sports shoe upper 534. In this embodiment, thedeformable area [not shown] would be configured with a greater thickness524, length 522, or a combination of the two. The platform 514 perimeterwall 526 will have a predetermined height adapted to confer maximumstability to the shoe, which is intended for substantial lateralmovement and high impact. In one embodiment, the resilient sole 500 mayhave a window (not shown) permitting observers to see the inner workingsof the sole 500.

Referring to 19 through 22, a spring-less dress shoe embodiment of theresilient sole 500 is shown. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, as in otherembodiments, the connector 520 in a resting state preserves the platform514 in a position substantially lower than the remainder of the outsole506. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, as the sole 500 is compressed thedeformable portion 520 allows the platform 514 to deflect upward intothe heel cavity.

Also shown in this embodiment is a pneumatic cooling arrangementdesigned to take advantage of the changing volume of the heel cavity508. A one-way valve 536 in the outsole 506 causes air to leave the heelcavity 508 when compressed. As the heel cavity 508 volume increases, airenters through a series of portals 538 in the sole 500. In this manner aconstant flow of cooling air is achieved. It is anticipated that thepneumatic cooling arrangement may be incorporated into casual and sportsshoes as well as the illustrated embodiment. It is also anticipated thatthe heel cavity 508 of the illustrated dress shoe embodiment may includea spring [not shown].

The structure of the resilient shoe sole 500 having been described, itsoperation will now be discussed.

After inserting a foot into a shoe having the resilient shoe sole 500,and lacing or otherwise fastening the foot therein, a wearer may stand,walk, jog or run in any customary manner. On a down step, as the outsole506 approaches the ground, the platform 514 encounters a surface. As thewearer's weight is brought to bear against the shoe sole 500, thedeformable area 520 begins to deform, allowing the platform 514 todepend upward into the cavity 508 of the shoe sole 500.

As discussed, the height of the edge 526 of the platform 514, thethickness of the clip 524 and the width of the lip 522 are predeterminedto create a calibrated resistance depending on the weight of the userand the purpose of the shoe. In addition to the dimensions of the edge526 and deforming area 520, it is anticipated that choice of materialsmay play a role in calibrating the shoe sole 500. Although rubber is onepreferred material, rubber stock of differing elasticity may be used tostrengthen or weaken the deformable area 520 as necessary. Othermaterials having resilient characteristics are also contemplated.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised by persons skilled in the artwithout departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. By wayof example, although the preferred embodiments have been shown anddescribed in terms of men's casual or dress shoes, or sports shoes, theinvention as claimed may apply to all types of shoes and even open-toedor sandals and other variations of footwear.

1. A shoe having a resilient sole and a heel cavity, comprising: anoutsole having a substantially inelastic sidewall, a substantiallyinelastic platform having a perimeter wall, and an elastic connectorbetween the sidewall and the perimeter wall; wherein the connectorlimits movement of the platform relative the sidewall between asubstantially unloaded position wherein the connector maintains theplatform substantially below the sidewall, and a substantially loadedposition, wherein the connector is deformed such that the platform isdeflected into the heel cavity and substantially surrounded by thesidewall.
 2. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising a spring spanningthe heel cavity is disposed atop the platform.
 3. The shoe of claim 2wherein between 50 and 700 pounds of pressure is required to fullycompress the spring and connector.
 4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein in theunloaded position, the platform is maintained between two and twentyfive millimeters below the sidewall.
 5. The shoe of claim 1 wherein inthe unloaded position, the connector is between one and ten millimetersin length between the sidewall and platform.
 6. The shoe of claim 1wherein in the unloaded position, the connector has a thickness ofbetween one and ten millimeters.
 7. The shoe of claim 1 wherein theplatform, sidewall, and connector are molded from a single, unitarypiece of rubber.
 8. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the sidewall is made ofthermoplastic polyurethane.
 9. The shoe of claim 8 wherein thethermoplastic polyurethane is clear.
 10. The shoe of claim 1 wherein theoutsole is made of a material chosen from the list of ethylene vinylacetate, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and rubber.
 11. A shoehaving a resilient sole, comprising: an outsole having a substantiallyinelastic sidewall, and a substantially inelastic platform; an elasticconnector between the sidewall and the platform; a spring biased tomaintain the platform substantially lower than the sidewall; whereinunder a wearer's weight the spring compresses causing bending andstretching of the connector, thereby allowing the platform to deflectsubstantially upwardly into the outsole.
 12. A method of providing acushioned impact while walking or running, comprising the steps ofproviding a shoe having a resilient sole and a heel cavity; providing anoutsole having a sidewall, a substantially inelastic platform, and anelastic connector therebetween; varying the length or thickness of theconnector depending upon a user's weight or performance of the shoedesired; donning the shoe; applying a substantial portion of the user'sweight onto the sole; substantially bending and stretching theconnector; and substantially deflecting the platform into the heelcavity.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of:removing the substantial portion of the user's weight from the sole;bending and unstretching the connector; and deflecting the platform outof the heel cavity.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising thesteps of: providing a spring in the heel cavity to help bias theplatform outside the heel cavity.